Arthur Hayes Sells $414,700 PEPE Amid U.S. Macro Fears and Tariff Shifts

A notable development has emerged in the meme coin space as Arthur Hayes, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry and co-founder of BitMEX, has reportedly sold off a significant portion of his PEPE holdings, including $414,700 worth of the token, within a six-hour window on August 2, 2025 [1]. This move has raised questions among investors about whether the recent bull run for PEPE has reached its peak. The token had surged sharply in mid-July before pulling back by 32%, leading some to speculate that this could mark the beginning of a more sustained downturn rather than a typical market correction [1].

Hayes cited deteriorating macroeconomic conditions in the United States as a primary reason for his exit strategy. He pointed to the impact of new tariff policies and weak labor market data, both of which have contributed to a more cautious outlook for asset classes that typically benefit from risk-on sentiment, such as cryptocurrencies [1]. These concerns have been further amplified by the expiration of the “reciprocal” tariff pause, with higher duties now set to take effect on 92 countries on August 7, 2025. The new tariff framework, which includes rates ranging from 10% to 41% on trade partners such as Canada, India, and China Taiwan, has added to the uncertainty [1].

Despite the bearish signal from Hayes, market participants have shown mixed reactions. While the broader macroeconomic environment has cast a shadow over riskier assets, the PEPE price has found support near $0.00001, according to analysis on a 4-hour chart. This support level has reinforced the possibility that the token is forming a symmetrical triangle pattern, with potential for a reversal if momentum builds [1]. Analysts have noted that a break above $0.00001375 could confirm a bullish breakout, potentially leading to a price surge of up to $0.00002260—a 117% gain from current levels [1]. However, technical indicators like the RSI and MACD remain mixed, suggesting that while some upside is possible, it may not be sustainable without strong follow-through from buyers [1].

Meanwhile, whale activity appears to contradict Hayes’ bearish stance. According to data from Nansen, the top 100 wallets continue to accumulate PEPE, increasing their holdings by 0.31% over the past week. This steady accumulation suggests that institutional or large holders still view PEPE as a strategic long-term play, despite the recent volatility [1].

The broader market context, however, remains cautious. With the U.S. Federal Reserve showing no indication of a September interest rate cut and global inflationary pressures persisting, the environment for speculative assets remains challenging. Investors are closely watching how these macroeconomic shifts interact with on-chain behavior and price action to determine whether this is a temporary correction or the start of a more sustained bearish trend [1].

Source: [1] Pepe Price Prediction: Crypto Billionaire Arthur Hayes Sells PEPE – Is The Bull Market Over? (https://cryptonews.com/news/pepe-price-prediction-crypto-billionaire-arthur-hayes-sells-pepe-is-the-bull-market-over/)